Shoruq Organization's Cinema Club: Fostering Film Culture and Community Dialogue in Dheisheh Refugee Camp
Shoruq Organization's Cinema Club: Fostering Film Culture and Community Dialogue in Dheisheh Refugee Camp
As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural life in Dheisheh Refugee Camp, Shoruq Organization continues to host its Cinema Club, a weekly cultural platform that brings together film enthusiasts, young people, and community members through screenings of Palestinian and international films, followed by discussions with filmmakers and critical dialogue sessions that promote film appreciation and cultural engagement.
The Cinema Club aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of cinema as a powerful artistic and educational medium, while encouraging audiences to engage critically with visual storytelling and the social, political, and human issues explored through film. By creating opportunities for direct interaction with filmmakers, the club contributes to building a sustainable film culture within the camp and strengthens the role of cinema as a tool for dialogue, reflection, and preserving the Palestinian narrative.
Over the past months, the club has hosted several acclaimed Palestinian filmmakers. Director Raed Andoni joined audiences following the screening of his award-winning documentary Ghost Hunting, offering insights into his filmmaking process and discussing themes of memory, trauma, and resistance. The club also welcomed director Firas Khoury after the screening of his feature film Alam, where participants engaged in a rich discussion on identity, youth, and the realities of life under occupation.
The Cinema Club has also presented a special screening programme featuring films from From Ground Zero, the collective film project created by filmmakers in Gaza during the ongoing war. The programme included The Tooth and the Deer by Saif Hammash, Ambience and By the Sea by Wisam Al Jafari, as well as a short film about children by Ibrahim Handal. These screenings were followed by conversations that explored the role of cinema in documenting lived experiences, preserving collective memory, and conveying the human realities of Gaza to international audiences.
Beyond film screenings, the Cinema Club provides an open space for discussion and critical reflection after every screening. These dialogue sessions encourage participants to exchange perspectives, analyse cinematic language, and engage with films from artistic, cultural, and social viewpoints, contributing to a vibrant cultural environment within the refugee camp.
The Cinema Club is organised through a network of partnerships with Palestinian film initiatives and cultural institutions, including Aflamna and FilmLab Palestine, in addition to collaborations with local and international film festivals, independent filmmakers, and cultural practitioners. These partnerships enrich the programme and create opportunities for audiences to experience diverse cinematic works while connecting directly with their creators.
The Cinema Club represents one of the key cultural programmes developed by Shoruq Organization as part of its broader mission to empower young people, expand access to arts and culture, and create inclusive spaces for creativity, dialogue, and community participation. Since its establishment in 2012, Shoruq Organization has implemented a wide range of cultural, artistic, educational, and media initiatives, recognising culture and the arts as essential tools for strengthening community resilience, preserving Palestinian identity, and amplifying local voices.
